Author: Rhys Gregory

A new role is being advertised for a passionate change-maker to help decide how up to £20m should be spent to support community-led regeneration in the Upper Afan Valley. The targeted investment comes from the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme (PiPP), which identified Neath Port Talbot as one of nine local authorities across Wales which meets criteria based on levels of deprivation. It aims to improve disadvantaged neighbourhoods by focusing on places with the weakest social infrastructure. The Upper Afan Valley has the highest average rate of deprivation in the County and was therefore chosen by Neath Port Talbot…

Horse owners, keepers, and veterinary professionals are being urged to take immediate precautions following a marked increase in Equine Influenza (EI) activity across Wales and the wider United Kingdom. Equine flu is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among horses, including through the air and over a widespread distance which is why it’s important to take appropriate steps to minimise risk of onward transmission. The Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) team has confirmed that, as of 14 May 2026, there have been 52 outbreaks of equine influenza across 32 counties in England, Scotland and Wales since 1 April 2026. While…

Newport City Council has confirmed that the weight limit for vehicles crossing the George Street Bridge has been increased to 18 tonnes following further investigations and testing. Last summer, surveys carried out on the bridge identified evidence of concrete degradation, leading the council to introduce a temporary 7.5 tonne weight restriction as a precautionary measure. The council has now said that additional investigations and structural testing have confirmed the bridge can safely accommodate vehicles up to 18 tonnes. Despite the increase, vehicles exceeding the 18-tonne limit will still need to use alternative routes. The George Street Bridge is a key…

A Caerphilly project which saw homes transformed into warmer, healthier and more affordable places to live has been recognised at this year’s prestigious Wales Energy Awards, winning the ‘Small Scale Award’. This award recognises a resident-centred retrofit programme delivered at homes in Cefn Ilan, Abertridwr by Caerphilly County Borough Council, in partnership with contractor Joyner Group and designer Michael Dyson Associates Ltd. By combining fabric‑first upgrades, renewable technologies and strong resident engagement, the project eliminated damp and mould issues in homes, improved indoor air quality and increased resident confidence in using new systems. Caerphilly Council was also highly commended at…

At the Annual General Meeting of Blaenau Gwent Council yesterday, key political appointments to the council’s cabinet, committees and outside bodies were confirmed for the year ahead. Councillor Chris Smith was appointed Presiding Member and will chair council meetings, with Cllr David Wilkshire appointed Deputy Presiding Member. Councillor Steve Thomas was re-elected as Leader of the Council and will also have responsibility for Corporate Resources. Cllr Tommy Smith was re-elected as Deputy Leader of the Council and will also hold the portfolio for Neighbourhoods and Environment. The full list of cabinet appointments is: Cabinet Member Corporate Resources – Cllr Steve…

Powys County Council has welcomed the first newly refurbished buses to the county. These buses are the first of 15 vehicles to be comprehensively upgraded through funding provided by the Welsh Government, in partnership with Transport for Wales (TfW). The remaining refurbished buses will be delivered in phases between now and September. The investment marks an important milestone in Powys’ long-term commitment to improving local bus services and delivering a more modern, reliable and accessible network for passengers, supporting a stronger, fairer and greener transport system for communities across the county. The refurbished buses bring a range of improvements for…

A 38-year-old man from Llanrumney has been charged following an alleged robbery near a cash machine in Llanedeyrn. According to South Wales Police, officers were called to reports that a person had been robbed of money near the cash machine in the Maelfa area at around 3am on Wednesday, May 13. Police said Adam Greedy, 38, from Llanrumney, has been charged with robbery and possession of a knife. He is due to appear before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Friday, May 15. South Wales Police is continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward quoting reference number…

A man from Aberdare has been jailed after driving a bulldozer into a pub in Aberdare in December 2025. Daniel Morgan, 35 from Aberdare was sentenced on Thursday May 14 at Merthyr Crown Court to three years and six in prison. This sentence follows guilty pleas to aggravated vehicle taking and property damage over £5,000, dangerous driving and criminal damage that recklessly endangers life. This case stems from Thursday December 4, 2025, when Daniel Morgan had been drinking at the New Inn Public House, Aberdare. He left the pub making threats that he would attack the pub with a bulldozer.…

Transport for Wales (TfW) will have additional rail services and increased capacity this weekend (16 – 17 May) to support those travelling to Monster Jam, Gŵyl Fach y Fro and the Barry Island 10K. On Saturday 16 May, Monster Jam returns to the Principality Stadium, while Barry Island hosts Gŵyl Fach y Fro, a popular Welsh language festival. The weekend concludes on Sunday 17 May with the Barry Island 10K, which will see thousands of runners and spectators heading to the Vale of Glamorgan. To meet the expected demand, TfW has put on additional services and increased capacity across the network. Following the Monster Jam…

Hazlewoods, a leading accountancy and business advisory firm, has strengthened its presence in Wales by significantly increasing its recruitment of Cardiff University students and graduates following the launch of its Cardiff office. Hazlewoods, which opened its Cardiff office in late autumn 2024, has seen the number of hires from Cardiff University increase threefold since establishing a base in the city. The firm has recruited a mix of placement students and graduates from the university, including six 12-month placement students, 15 graduate hires and two integrated work placements since 2024. The partnership builds on a longstanding relationship with Cardiff Business School,…